Intel Corp. posted a profit of $885 million for the second quarter, less than half of the $2 billion it earned in the same period last year. Revenue plummeted from $9.2 billion a year ago to $8 billion, Intel said, citing factors such as decreases in microprocessor shipments and pricing, as well as a loss of market share to rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. AMD reported big increases in revenue and profits for the second quarter, but it fell short of sales goals because of soft microprocessor demand.

SAS to close two training facilities

SAS Institute Inc. confirmed that it plans to close two regional training centers in September, a move that follows the recent elimination of about 170 sales and marketing positions. However, the Cary, N.C.-based vendor of business intelligence tools described the cutbacks as "a reallocation of resources" and said it expects to increase its overall head count this year. SAS now has about 10,000 employees.

Short takes

Oracle Corp. issued 65 software patches as part of its quarterly security update. ... Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said the company will follow the principles of its antitrust settlement with the U.S. government beyond the expiration of the deal late next year.